For followers of squash who were witnesses to the glory days of the country, the recently-held series between Pakistan and Egypt in Karachi wasn’t a mega event as touted by its organisers. After all, till about 12 years ago, Pakistan was a major international destination for top squash professionals and regularly hosted major tournaments like the prestigious World Open.

But in the current circumstances, the Pakistan-Egypt series was a significant development, something of a breakthrough for the country which has become a no-go zone for international teams since the 2009 terrorist attack on Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore.

That is precisely the reason why squash legend Jahangir Khan, who was at the forefront of the series that was played on a portable glass court installed at the PAF Museum, has described the series as a big success.

Jahangir told ‘The News on Sunday’ that the series has sent positive signals about Pakistan in the rest of the squash-playing world and hoped that it will help persuade top international stars to come and play here in the future.

"Pakistan squash will get a boost once international stars come and play here like they did in the past," said Jahangir, regarded as the most successful squash player of all time.

Jahangir also stressed that the bilateral series which saw the higher-ranked Egyptians recording a 3-2 win against Pakistan will help revive interest in squash in the country.

"There was a time when squash was counted among the popular sports in Pakistan. Unfortunately that is not the case anymore but I am confident that by organising similar events we can revive interest for the game among the general public."

It was the first time in many years that Karachi -- once regarded as a hub of international squash -- saw leading international players in action as the series featured world number four Omar Mosaad and world number 10 Tarek Momen. Also playing during the series were world number eight Karim Abdel Gawad, world number 11 Ali Farag and world number 20 Mazen Hesham.

The Pakistani team included world number 35 Nasir Iqbal, along with Shahjahan Khan, Asim Khan, Farhan Mehboob and Tayyab Aslam.

Egypt took $40,000 in prize money after winning the series 3-2.

One of the winners for Pakistan was the young Shahjahan Khan, son of former world number eight Zarak Jahan Khan.

Shahjahan exhibited his skills and talent when he beat a higher-ranked Mazen Hesham in an exciting match of the bilateral series.

Zarak was a proud father as he watched Shahjahan help Pakistan make a comeback in their bilateral series against Egypt with a score of 11-8, 9-11, 5-11, 11-9, 11-9 in 71 minutes.

Shahjahan, 21, is ranked number 100 in the world rankings and is based in Seattle, where his father is a full-time coach.

Shahjahan declared that he was looking forward to making his presence felt at the international circuit.

"With the help of my father who is also my coach I am working hard on my game and insha-Allah will give my best for Pakistan on the international circuit."